Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a stellar performance with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 110-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.
The win secured Milwaukee a spot in the NBA Cup championship game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, set for Tuesday night.
Antetokounmpo was dominant on both ends of the floor, adding four blocks to his near triple-double performance. Despite being just one assist shy of the milestone, his impact was undeniable as the Bucks improved their all-time NBA Cup record to 11-1. The lone blemish on their record came in last year’s semifinals.
Damian Lillard provided ample support, scoring 25 points for Milwaukee, including several clutch baskets in the second half. Brook Lopez chipped in 16 points, while Bobby Portis added a valuable contribution off the bench with 10 points and nine rebounds in 23 minutes.
On the other side, Atlanta’s Trae Young put on a show with 35 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. Young drew a season-high 11 fouls in the game, showcasing his ability to control the pace and attack the defense. Jalen Johnson added a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while De’Andre Hunter scored 15 points for the Hawks.
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Key Takeaways
For the Hawks, Young’s ability to draw fouls stood out. This marked the 52nd time in his career that he’s drawn at least 10 fouls in a game. The rest of the Hawks roster has achieved that feat only once in the same span, underscoring Young’s unique skillset. Despite his heroics, Atlanta couldn’t overcome Milwaukee’s balanced attack and late-game execution.
For the Bucks, Antetokounmpo’s efficiency was remarkable. He shot 10-of-15 from the field and 12-of-18 from the free-throw line, consistently punishing Atlanta’s defense. Lillard’s scoring and Lopez’s interior presence complemented Antetokounmpo’s efforts, while Portis’ energy off the bench helped Milwaukee maintain control during key stretches.
Key Moment
With 2:35 left in the game and Milwaukee clinging to a five-point lead, Antetokounmpo delivered a game-changing defensive play. He blocked an alley-oop dunk attempt by Clint Capela at the rim, halting Atlanta’s momentum and preserving the Bucks’ advantage. The play energized Milwaukee and stifled Atlanta’s hopes of a late comeback.
Key Stat
Milwaukee’s resilience shone through as they snapped a 20-game losing streak—spanning regular season and playoffs—in games where they trailed entering the fourth quarter. Down 83-82 heading into the final period, the Bucks outscored the Hawks 28-19 in the fourth, fueled by Antetokounmpo and Lillard’s clutch play.
What’s Next
The Bucks now turn their attention to Tuesday’s NBA Cup championship game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the game doesn’t count in the regular-season standings, Milwaukee will look to claim the inaugural NBA Cup title. Following the championship, they return to regular-season action on Friday against Cleveland.
The Hawks, meanwhile, will regroup as they return to regular-season play on Thursday with a road matchup against San Antonio. Despite the loss, Atlanta showed flashes of promise behind Young’s leadership and Johnson’s continued development.
Looking Ahead
Tuesday’s championship game offers a tantalizing clash between Milwaukee’s star power and Oklahoma City’s rising young talent. For Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, it’s an opportunity to cement their dominance in the inaugural NBA Cup. For fans, it’s shaping up to be a must-watch finale in Las Vegas.